Back by popular demand, Jonathan and James continue their exploration of John Bunyan's classic, The Pilgrim's Progress, with expert Jeff Stivason. They delve into the harrowing encounter with Giant Despair, discussing themes of depression, guilt, and the importance of fellowship in overcoming despair. 

Depression is not a monster that can do with us anything that it will. Depression is something that can be broken and that brokenness can come through the Word of God. – Jeff Stivason

With an emphasis on the power of God's promises, this episode offers a profound reflection on the human experience of suffering and the hope that the believer has in the midst of it.

We left our listeners on a cliffhanger at the end of Numbers 19. – Jonathan Master

But never fear, Jonathan and James are pleased to welcome Michael Morales back to the podcast to continue where he left off when he was a guest late last year. A professor of Biblical Studies at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Michael returns to discuss the second volume of his commentary on the Book of Numbers. In his new 2-volume commentary, Michael carefully demonstrates the ongoing relevance of Numbers, its positive vision for life, and the surprising challenge it offers to contemporary Christians. 

Today, their discussion focuses on Numbers 20-36, including the significance of Balaam's oracles, the role of Jewish sources in understanding the text, and the poignant moments in Moses' leadership. Join us as we uncover the rich narratives and themes that shape this lesser-studied section of the Pentateuch.

Thanks to the generosity of Wiley Press, we are pleased to offer two copies of Michael Morales’ Numbers Commentary, Volume 2. Enter here to win. 

Jonathan and James are joined by noted theologian O. Palmer Robertson, founder of Consummation Ministries. They delve into his monumental work, Christ of the Consummation, a three-volume series in which he explores progressive revelation across the redemptive history of the New Testament. Today's conversation focuses specifically on Volume Two, which examines the testimony of the Book of Acts, combined with the writings of the Apostle Paul and other New Testament authors. Palmer shares insights into the historical significance of Paul's writings, the progression of his understanding of Christ, and the vital role of the Holy Spirit in preaching and spreading the Gospel.

We should never lose hope, despite the nitty gritty day to day experience in the Church of Christ. – Palmer Robertson

This conversation is a profound exploration of how Scripture anticipates Christ and the implications for the church today.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at P&R Publishing, we are pleased to offer a copy of Christ of the Consummation: A New Testament Biblical Theology, Volume 2: The Testimony of Acts and Paul to our listeners. Enter here to win. 

Show Notes:

Christ of the Consummation, Volume 1: https://www.prpbooks.com/book/christ-of-the-consummation-volume-1-the-testimony-of-the-four-gospels

Christ of the Consummation, Volume 2:

https://www.prpbooks.com/book/christ-of-the-consummation-a-new-testament-biblical-theology-volume-2

Today, James and Jonathan talk with Guy Waters, the James M. Baird Jr. Professor of New Testament and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, and author of One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church: The Biblical Doctrine of the Church. Guy’s latest book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding the nature and purpose of the church. Throughout redemptive history, he says, God has been gathering a people to himself to worship him, to serve one another, and to bring the gospel to the nations.

The church is woven into the fabric of biblical revelation from start to finish. – Guy Waters

Their discussion revolves around the premise that understanding the church's foundation can clarify its practices and mission today. Don’t miss this interesting and practical conversation. 

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Lexham Press, we are pleased to offer a copy of One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church: The Biblical Doctrine of the Church to our listeners. Enter here to win. 

Show Notes:

How Jesus Runs the Church by Guy Waters

Jonathan, James, and regular guest, Jeff Stivason, continue their discussion of John Bunyan’s classic allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, delving into the themes of true versus false contentment. Today, Christian and Hopeful arrive at a strange monument, before having a period of rest along a pleasant river. 

Sometimes, God gives his people a foretaste of heaven; he gives them periods of rest in this life, and special extraordinary nourishment…and we would wish that the river of life would run hard by the way all the way to heaven, and yet as we know, it doesn’t. Sometimes the years are fat, and sometimes they’re lean, but we’re called to faithfulness and to trust and to continue our sojourn no matter what. – James Dolezal

After this time of rest, they come to a path through By-path Meadow, at which point they decide to follow the easier-looking route, but challenges await them. 

There’s a false contentment in seeking ease at the expense of truth. – Jeff Stivason

Join us as we discuss the cautionary tale of By-ends and his encounter at Hill Lucre, explore the dangers of pursuing worldly success at the expense of spiritual truth, and reflect on the ups and downs of life’s journey. 

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Banner Publishing, we are pleased to award a copy of John Bunyan's classic work, The Pilgrim's Progress, to our listener, Janet K. from Sea Girt, NJ!

James and Jonathan welcome Patrick O'Banion back to Theology on the Go to discuss Girolamo Zanchi, a pivotal yet often overlooked figure who made significant contributions to Reformation theology. In particular, they focus on Zanchi's book, Confession of the Christian Religion, which Patrick translated into English. Written in the 1580s, Zanchi's Confession never attained confessional status at the ecclesiastical level as planned. Nonetheless, it proved influential in both the Reformed theological tradition generally and the development of Reformed dogmatics in particular.

Zanchi is very concerned in this work to be catholic, to be connected to what Craig Carter would call the great tradition. – Patrick O'Banion

Discover the historical context of Zanchi's writings, his theological insights, and the enduring relevance of his work in today's ecclesiastical landscape.

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to award to our listeners a couple of copies of Girolamo Zanchi's Confession of the Christian Religion, translated by Patrick O'Banion. Congratulations to John D. from Danville, PA and Mary S. from Bluff Dale, TX!

Show Notes:

An earlier episode on Girolamo Zanchi: https://theologyonthego.podbean.com/e/the-spiritual-marriage-between-christ-and-his-church-podcast/

In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.' – Jeremiah 23:6

Jonathan and James sit down for a one-on-one discussion today to discuss the life and work of Puritan author Obadiah Grew, particularly his classic book, The Lord Our Righteousness. They explore the essential Christian doctrine of Christ as the righteousness of sinners before God, diving into themes of justification, imputed righteousness, and the distinctions between Protestant and Roman Catholic theology. 

The righteousness that justifies a sinner is not in nor of himself. – Obadiah Grew

The grace that God works into our lives by his Spirit uniting us to Christ is the fruit of our justification, not the root of it. – James Dolezal

With a focus on the significance of Christ's sinless nature and his role in our redemption, this episode offers a rich exploration of theological truths vital for all believers. 

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Reformation Heritage Books, we are pleased to offer to our listeners a couple of copies of Obadiah Grew's The Lord Our Righteousness. Enter here to win. 

Jonathan and James sit down with Steven Spinnenweber today, the senior minister of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida, about his new book, Loving the Law: The Law of God in the Life of the Believer. Stephen offers a fresh, engaging exploration of the Ten Commandments and their enduring relevance for Christians today as they convict, restrict, and guide us. 

You could think of the Ten Commandments sort of like a mold into which every individual Christian is poured and that is how God forms us into the image of Christ, into a greater likeness to our Savior. – Stephen Spinnenweber

The conversation examines the significance of the law in a Christian's life, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting the goodness of God's law.

The law sends us to the gospel for our justification. The gospel sends us to the law to frame our way of life. – Stephen Spinnenwebber

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Christian Focus Publications, we are pleased to award two of our listeners a copy of Stephen's book, Loving the Law: The Law of God in the Life of the Believer. Congratulations to Robert B. from Linden, CA and Cristian Z. from Miami, FL! 

On today’s episode of Theology on the Go, Jonathan and James explore the pivotal Council of Nicaea, held in 325 A.D, when the Nicene Creed was written which has shaped the church for centuries. What were the heretical teachings that led to this significant council, and why was the development of a creed necessary? 

A good creed will positively state orthodoxy such that a myriad of false teachings are sort of slain in one paragraph. – James Dolezal

Tune in as they examine the theological debates surrounding the nature of Christ and the relationship between the Father and the Son. Discover why this council was crucial for the formation of Christian doctrine and how its implications resonate with us today. 

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Crossway Books, we are pleased to award a copy of Scott Swain’s book, The Trinity: An Introduction. Congratulations Rob M. from Lachute, Quebec!

Show Notes:

If you live in the Sacramento, California area, check out this conference taking place September 19-20 at which James Dolezal and Fred Sanders will be exploring the history and significance of the Nicene Creed in greater detail. https://alliancenet.org/event/scg25/

Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

The Pilgrim's Progress book club continues today as Jonathan, James, and Jeff Stivason continue their exploration of Bunyan's classic work. This week, Christian and Hopeful leave Vanity Fair and encounter a new character on their journey, known as By-Ends. The discussion delves into the complexities of Christian companionship, the challenges of faith, and the nuances of worldly versus spiritual values. 

A man that takes up religion for the world will throw away religion for the world. – Jeff Stivason

Tune in as they explore the significance of these themes and their relevance for believers today!

Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Banner Publishing, we are pleased to award a couple of copies of John Bunyan's classic work, The Pilgrim's Progress, to Ryan G. from Carlisle, PA!